A REGULATORY decision that will enhance services for senior citizens and people with disabilities to ensure they have full access to justice has been issued by a top official.
According to Attorney General Dr Ali Al Buainain, the decision aims to ensure that such people have their humanitarian needs taken under full consideration, and their dignity preserved.
Measures to be introduced include visits by officers, remote communication methods, expedition of cases, and more to facilitate investigations and other processes related to the Public Prosecution.
“The decision reflects the Public Prosecution’s ongoing commitment to the welfare of the elderly and people with disabilities,” said Dr Al Buainain in a statement yesterday.
“Efforts are underway to develop tools and procedures in a way that upholds human integrity and supports certain groups without discrimination, in line with processes that promote the principle of justice.
“This includes instructing the Litigants Service Centre to enhance support and guidance so that these people can benefit from all services.
“Prosecutors have also been directed to follow simplified procedures during investigations that take into account specific circumstances of elderly individuals and people with disabilities, regardless of their legal status.”
According to the new measures, authorities will visit the person in question to take down their statement if they are unable to come to the station themselves due to age or disability.
Remote communication technologies will also be implemented to be used when physical presence is not feasible or possible.
Investigators will now adopt an approach that aligns with the specific needs of such people.
Finally, investigations involving elders and people with disabilities will be expedited and closely monitored as the case develops.
The decision also includes the creation of an electronic register to record notifications related to cases involving the elderly or disabled.
This register will document all measures taken and trigger the referral of relevant cases to the Witness and Victims Protection Office or the Reaya social care initiative.
Periodic reports will also be prepared to follow up and monitor cases.
Last month, the GDN reported that the Interior Ministry’s digitisation push has dramatically reduced the time it takes citizens to report cases, from an average time of almost an hour to just around five minutes.
Online platforms and applications such as MyGov have significantly increased speed and efficiency of services, according to Captain Mohammed Al Feihani.
He stated that digitisation efforts are expected to continue, with studies are constantly being done on how to improve and further streamline online services.
Despite that, he assured people that the traditional means of filing a case will always be an option for people, especially the elderly and people of determination who are unable to take advantage of the online services.
He stated that officers will continue to go above and beyond for such people, and that citizens and residents can continue to file reports in person.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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